Lyndsay Rush's new book of poems, 'A Bit Much,' was written for poetry skeptics
NPR's Book of the Day podcast explores poet Lyndsay Rush's unconventional journey into the world of poetry. Rush initially perceived poetry as a distant genre until she discovered the accessible and witty style of "internet poetry," inspiring her to transform her humorous quips into poems.
Rush's distinct poetic voice shines through in her work, capturing the ordinary, yet deeply meaningful aspects of life with a playful touch. The episode delves into Rush's intentional branding as "Mary Oliver's Drunk Cousin" and the themes of humorous love poems and celebrating life's little luxuries found in her debut collection, "A Bit Much." The impact of social media in propelling Rush's success is also examined.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Oct 2, 2024 episode of the NPR's Book of the Day
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1-Page Summary
Lindsay Rush's Poetic Journey
Beginning with "Internet Poetry"
Initially viewing poetry as a distant genre, Rush discovered the accessibility of "internet poetry" - works shared online often by "Insta-poets." This modern approach inspired Rush to start turning her own witty jokes into poems, helping her find her distinct poetic voice.
Establishing Her Poetic Identity
Rush intentionally chose her Instagram handle "Mary Oliver's Drunk Cousin" to signal her reverence for the ordinary, juxtaposed with humor. This individualistic brand resonated with followers drawn to her playful approach.
Style and Themes
Humorous Love Poems
Much of Rush's poetry uses wit to capture the small yet deeply meaningful aspects of romantic relationships, as seen in "Someone to Eat Chips With" where she longs for a simple yet caring partner.
Celebrating Life's Indulgences
In works like "She's a Bit Much," Rush suggests embracing life's little luxuries and moments of abundance - from extra French fries to the joy of witty comebacks - are vital sources of delight.
Social Media's Influence
Rush's success was propelled by sharing her poetry on Instagram, aligning with the approachable "internet poetry" style. When actress Michelle Pfeiffer shared "She's a Bit Much," it went viral, cementing social media's impact on bringing Rush's voice to wider audiences.
1-Page Summary
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Counterarguments
- The accessibility of "internet poetry" might dilute the quality of poetic works by prioritizing popularity over craft.
- Turning witty jokes into poems could be seen as diminishing the depth and complexity traditionally associated with poetry.
- The choice of an Instagram handle like "Mary Oliver's Drunk Cousin" could be perceived as trivializing the work of established poets.
- An individualistic brand on social media might attract followers more interested in personality than the literary quality of the poetry.
- Capturing small aspects of romantic relationships with wit might overlook the opportunity to explore these themes with the gravity they are sometimes due.
- Longing for a simple, caring partner in "Someone to Eat Chips With" could be criticized for reinforcing mundane relationship ideals instead of challenging readers with more thought-provoking or unconventional narratives.
- Celebrating life's indulgences might be seen as promoting materialism or a lack of depth in thematic exploration.
- The suggestion that embracing life's luxuries and moments of abundance are vital sources of delight could be critiqued for overlooking the value of simplicity or minimalism.
- Propelling success through Instagram might lead to questions about the sustainability of a literary career that relies heavily on social media trends.
- The viral nature of a poem due to a celebrity share could be argued to reflect the influence of celebrity endorsement over the intrinsic value of the work.
- The significant role of social media in bringing a poet's voice to wider audiences might raise concerns about the longevity and authenticity of literary fame in the digital age.
Actionables
- You can explore your own creative expression by starting a themed social media account that combines your interests with a unique twist. For instance, if you're passionate about cooking and love fantasy novels, create an account like "Gandalf's Gourmet" where you share recipes inspired by your favorite stories, infusing your posts with humor and personal anecdotes to engage with like-minded individuals.
- Experiment with writing short, relatable pieces about everyday experiences and share them with friends or on a personal blog. If you enjoy morning walks, write a humorous piece on the 'secret life of squirrels' you observe, or if you're a coffee enthusiast, pen a light-hearted ode to your espresso machine. This practice can help you find your voice and connect with others who appreciate the beauty in the mundane.
- Embrace and share your personal indulgences or simple pleasures through photography or short stories on a platform like Pinterest or Tumblr. Create a visual board or a series of posts that celebrate these moments, like "Chocolate Sundays" or "Rainy Day Reads," to encourage others to find joy in their own versions of abundance and delight.
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Lindsay Rush's journey to becoming a poet
Lindsay Rush shares her transformative journey to embracing poetry, a genre she once viewed as distant, to becoming a respected voice that combines creativity and humor.
Discovering Accessible Poetry
Initially, Lindsay Rush perceived poetry as a genre slightly out of reach for her. However, that perception changed as she stumbled across what she describes as "internet poetry." Insta-poets and other forms of online poetry felt more attainable and genuinely fun. This modern twist on traditional poetry inspired Rush to experiment with her writing. She started taking her old Twitter jokes and expanding on them, thus turning them into poems. This creative endeavor led her to find her own unique voice in the world of poetry, transforming witty internet musings into expressive and relatable works of art.
Embracing a Unique Poetic Identity
Lindsay Rush made a conscious decision to pick a distinct and playful Instagram handle: "Mary Oliver's Drunk Cousin." This choice was not just whimsical but an intentional move that communicated her unique perspective and style of poetry. By referencing Mary Oliver, a renowned poet celebrated for her meticulous attention to detail and capturing the beauty of the everyday, Lindsay Rush signaled themes of rev ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Lindsay Rush's journey to becoming a poet
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Counterarguments
- While internet poetry is more accessible, it may not always be taken as seriously as traditional poetry, which could impact the perceived legitimacy of poets like Lindsay Rush in some literary circles.
- The transformation of Twitter jokes into poems might not be seen as a legitimate form of poetry by traditionalists who may argue that the depth and craft of poetry are diminished in such a process.
- The choice of a playful Instagram handle, while unique, might not appeal to all audiences, particularly those who prefer more serious or traditional poetic voices.
- The success of an Instagram handle in attracting followers may not ...
Actionables
- Explore your social media history for creative inspiration by scrolling through your past posts and tweets, identifying any with a humorous or insightful edge that could be reimagined into a short poem or creative piece. This can help you find your voice by connecting with what you've already shared with the world.
- Create a unique online persona that reflects your personal style and approach to your creative work, much like a pen name, which can serve as a thematic anchor for your content and help you stand out in a crowded digital space. Think about what themes or messages you want to be known for and how a creative moniker could encapsulate that.
- Engage with your audience by asking for fe ...
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The style and themes of Lindsay Rush's poetry
Lindsay Rush's poetry often explores both the delight in life's little luxuries and the earnest, humorous simplicity of romantic desire.
Humorous Poems about Love and Partnership
Lindsay Rush's poems commonly take the form of witty, humorous love poems that hone in on the seemingly trivial yet deeply meaningful aspects of romantic relationships.
The Simple Pleasures of Companionship
In her poem "Someone to Eat Chips With," Rush uses humor to communicate a longing for companionship that extends beyond grand romantic gestures. She lists the qualities of a simple partner with a light-hearted touch, someone who will belly laugh at your jokes, readily offers up the pickle from their sandwich, and dutifully explains Daylight Saving Time each year.
Celebrating Life's "Bit Much" Moments
Rush's verse also celebrates those aspects of life that can be perceived as a "bit much" or over the top, suggesting that these indulgences are not just permissible but actually vital to our joy.
Embracing Excess as Joy
In the poem "She's a Bit Much," Rush catalogues experiences and sensations that might be viewed as excessive—from finding an unexpected bonus french fry to the rush of serotonin. She includes champagne showers, tri ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The style and themes of Lindsay Rush's poetry
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While Rush's poetry may celebrate life's luxuries and indulgences, some might argue that this focus can seem out of touch with the realities of those who struggle with life's basic necessities.
- The humor in Rush's poems about love and partnership might not resonate with everyone, as humor is subjective and some may prefer a more serious or traditional approach to the themes of love.
- The idea that life's "bit much" moments are vital to joy could be challenged by those who believe that true happiness comes from moderation and balance rather than indulgence in excess.
- The suggestion that our purpose is to revel in joy might be countered by philosophical or religious views that propose a different understanding of life's purpose, such as personal growth, community service, or spiritual development.
- Some re ...
Actionables
- Start a 'Joy Journal' to document daily indulgences and moments of abundance, noting how they contribute to your happiness. By keeping a dedicated notebook or digital document, write down at least one thing each day that felt like a small luxury or a moment of excess joy. This could be as simple as enjoying a favorite snack, having a hearty laugh with a friend, or indulging in a long bath. The act of writing it down helps you acknowledge and appreciate these moments more deeply.
- Create a 'Companionship Bucket List' with activities that embody the joy of sharing simple pleasures with others. Think of activities that are better with company, like a picnic in the park, a movie night with homemade popcorn, or a board game evening. The list should focus on experiences that are easy to organize and invite friends, family, or a romantic partner to join. This encourages you to seek and cherish companionship in everyday life.
- Develop a 'Wit and Humor' hab ...
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The influence of social media and "internet poetry" on Lindsay Rush's work
Lindsay Rush's contemporary foray into the world of poetry is deeply intertwined with the realms of social media, showcasing how digital platforms can breathe life into traditional art forms.
Lindsay Rush's poetry gained prominence through her presence on social media, particularly her Instagram account under the "Mary Oliver's Drunk Cousin" handle.
Rush's venture into "internet poetry" with her Instagram handle @MaryOliverDrunkCousin played a pivotal role in her emerging as a recognized poet. The platform helped her become known for her accessible approach to poetry. The conversational and approachable style that is often characteristic of "internet poetry" deeply inspired her. This inspiration empowered her to craft poems that resonated with and engaged a broader audience, deviating from more traditional and exclusive poetic norms.
The viral success of one of Rush's poems, which was shared by actress Michelle Pfeiffer, further solidified the impact of social media on her poetic journey.
The impact of social media on Rush's poetic success became ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
The influence of social media and "internet poetry" on Lindsay Rush's work
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- Social media platforms often prioritize content that is easily consumable and may not always be conducive to the depth and complexity that poetry can offer, potentially leading to a dilution of poetic quality in favor of virality.
- The term "internet poetry" can be seen as pejorative or dismissive of the craft and effort that goes into creating poetry that is shared online, suggesting a lower standard than traditional poetry.
- The popularity of a poet on social media may not necessarily translate to literary merit or critical acclaim within the broader literary community.
- The conversational style of "internet poetry" might not appeal to all audiences, particularly those who prefer the traditional structures and themes of classical poetry.
- The success of a poem on social media, such as the viral success of "She's a Bit Much," might be influenced by celebrity endorsement rather than the poem's intrinsic value, raising questions about the sustainability of such success.
- The focus on social media as a platform for poetry could overshadow other important avenues for poetic expr ...
Actionables
- You can harness the storytelling power of social media by creating a themed account that showcases your creative work, much like a digital portfolio. Start by choosing a platform that aligns with your medium—Instagram for visual arts, Medium for writing, or SoundCloud for music. Post consistently and use hashtags strategically to reach a wider audience. Engage with your followers by responding to comments and messages to build a community around your work.
- Experiment with adapting your creative talents to digital formats to reach a broader audience. If you're a writer, try converting your stories into serialized social media posts or tweets. For visual artists, create time-lapse videos of your art process and share them on platforms like TikTok or YouTube. Musicians could offer virtual mini-concerts or behind-the-scenes peeks into songwriting sessions on Instagram Live.
- Leverage the power of vira ...
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